How Can I Make My Child’s Brain Sharp?

Nutrition plays a key role in making the brain sharper. Macronutrients, such as protein, carbohydrates, and fats, along with vitamins and other trace elements, help a child’s brain to develop optimally.

1. Fatty fish

Fatty fish is the richest source of:

• Vitamin D 
• Omega-3s

These nutrients are essential for preventing declining mental function and memory loss. They are also known to lower beta-amyloid levels in the blood. Beta-amyloid is known to form clumps in the brain of people with Alzheimer’s disease. Examples of fatty fish include:

• Salmon
• Cod
• Tuna
• Pollack

Some ways to include fish in your child’s diet are:

• Grill fish and serve with a dipping sauce
• Add fish to tacos
• Make tuna sandwiches

2. Green, leafy vegetables

Green, leafy vegetables are rich in nutrients such as:

• Vitamin K
• Lutein
• Folate
• Beta carotene

These nutrients improve concentration, thinking, and reasoning abilities. Examples of green leafy vegetables that should be included in your child’s diet include:

• Kale
• Spinach
• Collard
• Broccoli

Try adding greens to your child’s diet in the following ways:

• Add spinach or kale into smoothies
• Make kale chips
• Add greens to omelets or lasagna
• Stir fry greens and add spices

3. Berries

Berries are rich in:

• Antioxidants 
• Flavonoids

Both are known to improve memory. Examples of antioxidant-rich berries that can enhance brain health include:

• Strawberries
• Blackberries
• Blueberries
• Blackcurrants
• Mulberries

4. Eggs

Eggs are a good source of:

• Vitamin B6
• Vitamin B12
• Folic acid

Eggs help prevent brain shrinkage and alleviate cognitive delay.

5. Nuts and seeds

Nuts are a rich source of:

• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Antioxidants
• Vitamin E

These nutrients protect brain cells from oxidative stress caused by free radicals. They are responsible for elevating mood and keeping the nervous system in check.

Brain-stimulating activities and playtime can also help your child’s brain development. Activities you can try to make your child’s brain sharper include:

• Reading books together, which can boost activity in the part of the brain that is responsible for:
  • Language
  • Literacy
  • Imagination
• Giving them age-appropriate toys to enhance their cognitive skills
• Solving puzzles and crosswords together
• Singing together teaching them to play an instrument
• Building routines for meals, play, and sleep